Jalen Duren appears ready to leave a disastrous postseason behind. The Detroit Pistons began the 2026-27 regular season with a high-octane clash with the Boston Celtics, with Duren keeping the team afloat until it was ready to dominate the fourth quarter en route to a 121-113 comeback win.
In the process, Duren proved that he’s ready to solidify his place as the star the Pistons paid for by playing with the assertive mentality they needed from him during the 2026 postseason.
Duren was a force in pivotal moments against Boston, tormenting elite defensive bigs Neemias Queta and Mitchell Robinson. He scored in a wide variety of manners, thriving with physicality on the offensive glass and an uncanny ability to finish through contact. He also prevented a blowout by scoring 13 of the Pistons' 45 first-half points and helping to lead a third-quarter resurgence.
Duren ultimately finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal on 8-of-13 shooting from the field and an 6-of-7 night at the free throw line.
It was quite a start to the 2026-27 season from a player who averaged just 10.2 points per contest during the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Yes, he’ll still need to step up during the postseason, but he was assertive against the Celtics and unwilling to play with the same passive mentality.
Despite the admittedly rational reasons to remain skeptical, the 2026-27 opener offered legitimate cause to believe the best has yet to transpire with Duren.
Jalen Duren saved Pistons in first half, anchored 22-point comeback win
Duren’s season opener was defined by his ability to make his mark during dire times. Boston’s jump shooters couldn’t miss, it seemed, and Detroit’s perimeter players couldn’t buy a bucket when the team needed help most.
Duren not only asserted himself, but helped the Pistons avoid disaster and trail by a somehow palatable 13 points at halftime until the shooters remembered how to make an open J.
In many ways, it was the epitome of what a second option needs to be able to do. Franchise player Cade Cunningham started slow and No. 3 Ausar Thompson wasn’t his best self early, either, so Duren put the team on his back.
From there, a continued level of dominant play on the glass and improved defense helped anchor Detroit’s comeback.
It all offered a promising look at what could be a tremendous season for Duren. He was a force inside against an elite defensive team and interior, and gave the Pistons everything they needed in a timely manner.
If that’s a sign of things to come, then Duren is due for another All-NBA season and a postseason statement to erase 2026 from our memories.
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